The Ultimate Family Travel Itinerary in Santa Monica

Begin your day with a relaxed beachfront breakfast at Coast Beach Café and Bar and try the Lemon Ricotta Pancakes to share. Afterward, pick up bikes from our onsite Beach Concierge and ride along the 22‑mile oceanfront bike path. Whether you choose a traditional cruiser, a tandem bike for two, or kid‑friendly options, it’s one of the most scenic and memorable ways to experience the coastline.

With Venice Beach only a short seven‑minute ride away, families can explore the lively boardwalk, watch performers, or grab a quick treat. Along the route, admire Montana Avenue’s vibrant murals or stop by the Heal the Bay Aquarium under the Santa Monica Pier.

Cool down with artisan ice cream from a local favorite before returning to the hotel.

Spend the afternoon at Shutters on the Beach’s beachfront pool, a relaxing option for families staying in Santa Monica. Families can reserve a private cabana, enjoy a casual poolside lunch, and cool off in the pool while taking in views of the Pacific.

Kids can enjoy the hotel family-friendly pool while adults unwind with a refreshing frosé from the pool bar and ocean views. It’s an easy, sun-soaked break that highlights the best of Santa Monica’s coastal lifestyle.

Enjoy a parents only dinner at 1 Pico, the signature restaurant at our Santa Monica resort. Seasonal California cuisine with Southern Italian flare and sweeping Pacific views create a refined and memorable dining experience. Be sure to explore 1 Pico’s standout dishes, such as the Spaghetti with Maine Lobster, Calabrian Chili, and Cherry Tomato, the Nantucket Island Scallops served with parsnip cream, mushrooms, frisée, chervil, and herbs, and the richly satisfying Mezzi Paccheri with sausage. Each plate is crafted with coastal inspiration and thoughtful technique.

Save room for dessert, the house made gelato topped with candied popcorn and warm chocolate brownie is an indulgence worth savoring — the perfect sweet ending.

Our Concierge team can arrange babysitting services, giving kids a cozy night in the room. Settle in for a movie night or quiet reading time with a fresh popcorn amenity. It’s a great way to end a day full of adventures.

Start the new day with breakfast in bed with favorites like Eggs Benedict, Belgian Waffles, Egg White Omelets, and Yogurt Parfaits. It’s the perfect fuel for another day of fun.

Let our Beach Concierge arrange everything you need for a family beach day in Santa Monica. Families can request beach chairs, umbrellas, boogie boards, and games such as cornhole for an easy day by the Pacific.

For an active family experience at the beach, book a private surfing lesson and introduce the kids to one of Santa Monica’s most memorable ocean activities.

After a day in the sun, take a scenic walk, just a 5-minute stroll from Shutters on the Beach to the Santa Monica Pier, one of the area’s most iconic attractions. Ride the Pacific Wheel or play classic arcade games.

Be sure to visit the Instagram worthy Route 66 “End of the Trail” sign, a must-have family photo spot marking the end of the historic highway.